Nearly 2,000 people responded, including bartenders, UX designers and novelists hoping to debunk some myths and misunderstandings about their careers.

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For over three decades Robert Tyler, 59, worked on and off in the communications field but was unable to keep a steady job. “Somehow it don’t last,” says Tyler, “Always have good jobs, but they don’t last.” Now Tyler survives as a street performer and can often be found outside Bay-area sporting events.

Media: San Francisco Chronicle

Some of their revelations were enlightening: "I don't go to the Emmys or hang out with people who make TV. I occasionally write profiles of them, but then they go back to Los Angeles to eat avocados," wrote New Yorker television critic Emily Nussbaum.

Others were obvious though overlooked: "You have to get dairy animals pregnant to get milk," wrote James Whetlor.

And some were downright thought-provoking: "Almost everything you have done on your work computer, even if you think you deleted it, can be recovered after you leave the job. Don't do personal things on work devices."

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.